Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Self Propelled Mower — Models SC 500, SC 500 E, & SC 500 HW WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA Form No.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing a Lawn Mower manufactured by Cub Cadet. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. If applicable, the power testing information used to establish the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 13. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the handle immediately. 14. a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms. b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing. c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way toward you. d. Repeat these steps as needed.
Service 3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!” 4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Notice Regarding Emissions Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER — ROTATING BLADES To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices Figure 1 line Figure 2 (TOO STEEP) 15° Slope WARNING! Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution. Always mow across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes. To check the slope, proceed as follows: 1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line. 2.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Carton • One Lawn Mower • • One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual • One Grass Catcher • One Bottle of Oil One Engine Operator’s Manual • One Side Discharge Chute NOTE: Please be aware that this Operator’s Manual covers both the low and high wheel models of this mower. While this manual illustrates the low wheel model, the instructions and features are equally applicable to the high wheel model as well, unless otherwise noted.
3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly: a. 4. Pull upward on the handle approximately 8 inches until holes in lower handle (shown in Figure 3-3 deck cutaway) line up with holes in handle bracket. See Figure 3-4. The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope guide. See Figure 3-6. A A B B D B C Figure 3-6 Figure 3-4 NOTE: When pulling upward on handle, make sure to not pull handle all the way out. b. c.
1. On the side of the mower, lift the side mulching plug. See Figure 3-9. Side Mulching Plug 1 2 Figure 3-7 2. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher: a. b. Figure 3-9 Lift rear discharge door. Place grass catcher into the slots in the handle brackets as shown in Figure 3-8. Let go of discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcher. 2. Slide two hooks of side discharge chute under hinge pin on mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulching plug.
3 Lower 2 Higher 1 Higher 2. Position the handle in one of the three positions that is most comfortable. See Figure 3-12 inset. 3. Secure into position with star knobs and carriage bolts removed earlier. Drive Control The adjustment wheel is located in the speed control housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt. You will need to adjust the drive control if the mower does not propel itself with the drive control engaged or if the mower’s wheels hesitate with the drive control engaged.
4 Controls and Features Blade Control Speed Control Drive Control Electric Start Ignition Switch Recoil Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Deck Wash Side Discharge Chute Cutting Height Adjustment Lever Figure 4-1 Blade Control Cutting Height Adjustment Lever The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.
5 Operation Starting Engine WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower. 1 Before starting the engine, you must determine the type of starting system that is on your engine.
Stopping Engine 1. Release blade control or turn off the engine switch (if equipped). WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on the mower or to remove the grass catcher. Using Your Lawn Mower Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others. 1.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance 2. General Recommendations The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory and does not require lubrication. 3. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication schedule and instruction for engine lubrication. • Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. • The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
Deck Wash (If Equipped) Engine Care Your mower’s deck may be equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions. Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING: 1.
7 Service Blade Care WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade. WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal injury. 5. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
Replacing Battery (If Equipped) Charging Battery (If Equipped) WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which may cause burns. Do not short circuit or mutilate batteries in any way. Do not put batteries in fire as these may burst or release toxic materials. 1. Unhinge cover seal and lift off battery cover. 2. Remove positive and negative leads from battery, and pull up on battery to remove. See Figure 7-2.
Replacing Fuse (If Equipped) Off-Season Storage The electric starter circuit and battery are protected by a 40 ampere fuse. If the fuse burns out, the electric starter will not operate. If the unit fails to start with the electric starter, perform the following steps to check the fuse inside the battery housing: The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage. • Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions. 1.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine Fails to start Cause Remedy 1. Blade control disengaged. 1. Engage blade control. 2. Spark plug boot disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark boot. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer). 4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section. 5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6. Clean fuel line. 7. Engine flooded. 7.
Problem Uneven cut Mower will not self propel High pullback effort 22 Cause Remedy 1. Wheels not positioned correctly. 1. Place front and rear wheels in same height position. (Dual Height Adjusters) 2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade. 1. Belt not installed properly. 1. Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement. 2. Debris clogging drive operation. 2. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug boot, and clean out debris. 3. Damaged or worn belt. 3. Inspect and replace belt. 4.
9 Replacement Parts & Accessories Component Part Number and Description 951-14437 951-10292 Spark Plug (159cc Engine) Spark Plug (173cc Engine) 951-10358A Fuel Filter 951-10298 Air Cleaner Kit 951-14407 951-12738 Fuel Cap Assembly (159cc Engine) Fuel Cap Assembly (173cc Engine) 634-04659 Wheel (Front) 634-05044 934-04699 Wheel (Rear - Low) Wheel (Rear - High) 731-07131 Discharge Chute 942-0741A 942-0741A-X Mulching Blade Xtreme Mulching Blade Phone 877-282-8684 for your nearest Cub Cadet D
Component Part Number and Description 964-05005 954-04282 Grass Bag Belt 725-04329† Battery Charger 725-04903† Battery 925-0201† Key † If Equipped Phone 877-282-8684 for your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.cubcadet.
10 Attachments & Accessories Component Model Number and Description 490-850-0005 Blade Removal Tool — Holds blade in place for faster, safer removal. SPW-134 Spark Plug Wrench — Duel ended wrench to serve multiple uses. Fits ¾” or 13⁄16” hex plug. 490-850-0008 Oil Siphon — Makes it easy to transfer gas, oil and liquids from tank to container. 490-850-0016 Side Discharge Blower — Blows leaves, grass clippings and debris. Eliminates need for separate blower. Easy installation with no tools.
Component 26 Section 10 — Attachments & Accessories Model Number and Description 22216 STA-BIL® fuel Stabilizer, 32 oz — Treats 80 gallons of fuel. Keeps stored fuel fresh for quick, easy starts. Prevents corrosion from moisture and ethanol-induced attraction. Prevents gum and varnish. 490-290-0012 Mower Cover — Protects your mower against sun, rain and dust damage. Coated for maximum water resistance and repellency. U.V.
The SureStart Guarantee® Provisions of Your Limited Warranty In addition to the other terms and conditions of the Limited Warranty applicable to your new mower, Cub Cadet LLC (“Cub Cadet”) hereby warrants that your mower’s engine will start on the first or second attempt by an able-bodied adult (subject to the limitations described below) for the duration of the manufacturer’s limited warranty applicable to your product.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR WALK-BEHIND MOWERS IMPORTANT: To obtain warranty coverage owner must present an original proof of purchase and applicable maintenance records to the servicing dealer. Please see the operator’s manual for information on required maintenance and service intervals.
